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Big Race Day In Dunleer1982

Dunleer is the setting for a race downhill to find the best soap box driver in the land.

In preparation for the Bisto Kids Soap Box Derby in Dunleer, Louth County Council have resurfaced roads in the area, and over 500 yards of road will be the scene of a Grand Prix.

Popular in Dunleer in the 1950s, soap box racing had all but died out until Garda Sergeant Pat Roche originally from Wexford, but based in Dunleer, revived the sport in 1979. He reintroduced the American sport as part of the summer projects in Dunleer because,

I thought there was a need to occupy young people during the summer months.

Now as part of a greater, countrywide revival , scores of youngsters can be seen racing down steep hills in their own wooden soap boxes, near replicas of Formula One racing cars.

Soap boxes have no engines and the fastest must streamline to self propel at speeds for up to 40 mph. Crash helmets and cars must conform to regulation standards; the bulkhead must cover legs and drivers must always wear a helmet. There are hay-bales lining road so if the car turns over any injuries will be minimal.

Fourteen boys and one girl qualified in regional finals and in one heat, Billy Robinson from Dunleer competing in a wind-charger, emerged as overall champion.

An RTÉ News report broadcast on 19 August 1982. The reporter is Caroline Erskine.

RTÉ.ie is the website of Raidió Teilifís Éireann, Ireland's National Public Service Broadcaster.RTÉ is not responsible for the content of external internet sites. Images courtesy of Inpho.ie and Getty Images.